The Centre for Research in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (CIDD) is a “Category 1” independent research centre at the University of Warwick. CIDD is a part of the School of Educational Learning and Communication Sciences in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Warwick. The University is one of the UK’s principal research universities and its academic staff have an international reputation for research excellence. CIDD was previously known as CEDAR (Centre for Educational Development Appraisal and Research), established in 1987.

CIDD has established a leading reputation for research in three main areas. We specialise in research focused on reducing inequalities and addressing the needs of children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autistic children and adults. Our main work with these populations includes mental health and well-being, educational outcomes, and forensic needs. We also have an established programme of research on parenting and family support for families of disabled children and adults, and for families of young people who face mental health and other challenges. Finally, we have a broader research interest in youth mental health; especially psychological interventions for socially marginalised populations, and mental health in school contexts.

CIDD’s research draws mainly upon the disciplines of psychology, but with a particular focus on multi-disciplinary research using a combined (mixed) methods approach. We also collaborate extensively with colleagues in other research centres and departments at Warwick and other universities. Most projects also involve practitioners (e.g. psychologists, speech and language therapists, psychiatrists, nurses, social workers).

CIDD has a substantial expertise in quantitative and qualitative methods. This allows CIDD to take on research which requires either methodological approach or, as is often the case, studies which require both types of method to address different aspects of the research programme (often referred to as ‘combined mixed methods’).

Details of staff, current research programmes, recent research, publications arising from research including those published by CIDD are available from links from this page.

CIDD also welcomes enquiries from organisations requiring consultancy in areas for which we have expertise.

We also have our own PhD programme where students work in one of our specialist research areas.

We are located on the first floor of the 'New Education' building on Westwood Campus.